Newcomers Take 2 Of 4 State House Seats

Marian Lewis, wife of U.S Rep. Tom Lewis, R-North Palm Beach, launched a political career of her own Tuesday night with a victory over Democrat Dick McKinnon in the state House District 81 race.

Incumbents James Hill and Ray Liberti were sent back to the Legislature with easy wins in state House District 80 and District 82, respectively. And Lois Frankel defeated Riviera Beach City Council member Gerald Adams in District 83.

A jubilant Lewis, usually in the background during her husband`s election victories, was successful in her first bid for public office. Lewis, 57, campaigned on a platform of growth management and better planning of infrastructure improvements, as well as improving the quality of education.

``I`m not really too surprised,`` she said of her easy victory. ``We had tremendous grass roots support. Primarily because I`ve had a lot of experience and have worked hard in the county.

``I think they believe in me, and that`s very heartwarming,`` she said.

Lewis said her husband`s political career was not a factor in her victory.

``I was always very happy when Tom won,`` she said. ``But this feels great.``

Liberti won a fifth term in the state House beating Republican Bette Wilkinson just as he did in 1984.

``I`m just as happy as I can be,`` Liberti said at a gathering at the Hyatt Hotel in West Palm Beach. ``Now I have an opportunity to do a lot of good things and all the good committee appointments can take affect,`` said Liberti, who has expected to be appointed chairman of the House Higher Education Committee.

Liberti attributed his victory to running a clean campaign, despite attempts by his opponent to capitalize on his financial problems. During the campaign, Wilkinson charged that Liberti had ``violated the public trust,`` and that he still hasn`t repaid his creditors as he has long promised to do. Once worth more than $4 million on paper, Liberti saw his financial empire crumble when his major lender collapsed and called in its loans.

``We talked about my accopmlishments and my influence in the legislative process,`` Liberti said. ``And we ran a clean campaign, which was refreshing. This win was not for me. But for the people who voted for me.``

Earlier in the evening, Wilkinson, said she was nervously awaiting the results as her supporters gathered with other Republicans at the Helen Wilkes Hotel in West Palm Beach.

``Now the hard part starts. I`m looking forward to the challenge. I believe the next 15 years will be the most important in Florida`s history. I`m looking forward to being part of the decision-making process.``

Frankel celebrated at the Hyatt ballroom with about 100 supporters, entertained by a live band.

In contrast, Adams, the only black nominee on this year`s ballot, gathered with some friends at a two-room suite at the Hyatt. Frankel raised about $100,000 for her campaign compared to Adams` $5,000.

Adams, 42, listed strengthening environmental laws and doing more to combat the problems caused by drugs as legislative priorities. He also favors enlisting the support of the U.S. military in fighting the importation of drugs.

``You`ve got to prepare yourself to win and prepare yourself to to lose,`` said Adams, who lost twice before winning a seat on the Riviera Beach City Council.

``I`m persistent. The possiblity exists I could run again for this or some other office.``

Adams said a recall effort to get him off the Riviera Beach Council hurt his campaign.

Hill used his conservative record to defeat Delray Beach animal control officer Jeffery Vorpagel.

``I`ve established the kind of record that the people expected of me,`` said Hill.